Overeating before surgery - what am I doing ?? but I know why

Is anyone out there that is pre-op having the "last supper" over and over again? I am loading up on sweets and things I won't be having ofr a year or so - like bread and ice cream and "real" Coke as I call it. It is really making me ashamed of myself. I really want to calm down. I know I am eating my emotions right now and those would be "fear, shame (for doing it), anxiety". I know it is just hurting me - it is just that more weight I will have to lose. Is anyone else going through this? If so, what can I do to break the cycle. I will be on clear liquids the last three days and I feel like I am going to graze until the very last minute. My surgery is Open RNY on March 2. HELP!!!

Hey Nancy, Calm down!!! I think what you're going thru is pretty normal. I know I've been doing the same thing (and so have several other Marchers!!!) Part of it I think is we are preparing to say goodbye to our good friend "food" and this is difficult to do because it has been here for us for so long. We are going to miss our friend and don't know how to cope without it. Try taking a walk when you are feeling anxious or feel a craving coming on. Maybe this will help. Hang inthere. You'll be just fine!!! Whitney

Thanks Whitney - I was really hoping iI was not the only one doing this . I hear about WLS having one last meal - I am having htose ervery day. Gadzooks. The last thing I want to do is gain weight before surgery. Thanks again - I was doing really well with the walking and you are right I need to do that again.

Hey Nancy, According to folks that have been through this, what your doing is normal. Your saying goodbye to a friendship that has held true for you through many, many years. Although your buddy is inanimate, the emotional attachment is still very, very strong. Say your "goodbyes" to your life-long friend, but try to keep it within reason. Specific mealtimes...etc...grazing is one of those habits that can undermine your results on the other side. Hope this helps. Good luck, Va 16 sunrises until my new life begins

It is comfort and a hobby all rolled into one. Good point about the grazing - I will be eating three meals a day - my surgeon insist on it. I will try to modify at least that aspect before.

i feel better now....i have been doing the same thing as if food was going out of style...i have tried to think of everything i will not be eating anymore. i feel guilty because i have to meet with my surgeon on wednesday and he already told me he did not want me to gain any more weight before my surgery...i started on a liquid diet today so that i may be at the same weight i was when i last saw him.....i have been on a serious binge

I am doing the same thing. I figure this is my last HORRAH so I am making all my favorite meals until the surgery. michele

Hi Nancy, Just wanted to let you know, YOU ARE NOT ALONE! LOL I have been having the "last supper" sydrome since I found out I was approved (January 6, 2004). I am eating things that I never even cared about before. For instance, I don't remember EVER having a hot fudge sunday in my life. Just never cared for fudge enough to want one. I have probably had 20 of them since January 6. Suddenly one day I drove by Dairy Queen and had this urge to buy one. Now I can't get enough of the darn things. I keep thinking "oh, what if I can't have this after surgery, I better have it one last time just in case"! Oh my, I have gained weight since I got approved I think we just need to relax and try to control it a little but allow ourselves some time to say "goodbye" too. Hang in there! Carrie Carrie Quite Contrary

Hey, thanx, CCQC!! You just reminded me...I want a hot-fudge sundae before that option disappears. Gonna go put it on my list. Oh, that's right. The only other thing on my list is BD's Mongolian BBQ. I'm pretty sure I can remember TWO things. Kimmer Queen of the Niners, Instigator to all Marchers, High Priestess of Giggles Zero-minus-21 and counting!

Thank goodness I am not required to lose before surgery! I think most of us are struggling with this. What moderation I am achieving is coming from trying to reduce one or two of the things which will cause me the most trouble adjusting post-op. For me that is caffeine and sugar. I have addiction reactions to both of them, which will make post-op cravings really tough if I don't break them. I still allow myself to have one or the other occasionally if I especially want them, but I refuce to binge and graze on those. Other than that I have ADDED protein, but allow myself whatever else I want. I think it is making me feel better, and I know myself well enough to know it will help post op. That is what I used to do before going on a diet and it helped that too. Each of us is different. The only 2 things that the Last Meal Syndrome will do to us is make the first 2 weeks a bit harder (a lot if you get caffeine headaches!), and give us a few extra pounds to lose. Either way we will get though this. No guilt is necessary--just decide how you want to do it. Good luck to us all... Joy (3/1)